How to Move Vegetable Seedlings From Indoors to Outdoors

Pick the seedlings to move from indoor to outdoors, choosing disease-free and strong plants to ensure a greater chance of surviving the move. Most vegetable seedlings are ready for transplanting at four to six weeks old, according to the Osceola County Extension Service.

Place seedlings, still in their indoor container, outside two weeks before you move them permanently outdoors, suggests the University of Minnesota Horticulture Extension Service. This is a gradual process called hardening off. Begin by putting the plants outside for a few hours in the afternoon shade, and out of direct sunlight. Gradually increase the time the seedlings are outside each day, exposing them to more sunlight each time. At the end of the two weeks, move the vegetable seedlings outside permanently to the garden, unless inclement weather is expected.

Lift vegetable seedlings and their root balls from the bottom of the container, using a spoon or trowel for support. Gently place seedlings into the outdoor garden or container. Avoid holding the plant by its stem during the move. If additional support is needed, hold onto a leaf. Move vegetable seedlings to the garden on a cloudy day or in late afternoon, after the sun has hit its peak. Plants may wilt when they first are exposed to full sun, but will usually recuperate after a day or two, according to University of Minnesota Horticulture Extension Service.

Protect newly-transplanted seedlings from wind and changing temperatures by covering the vegetable plants with row or plant covers. Lightly water new seedlings.